Black History Month: The Importance of Reflecting

Black History Month is so very very important, not only to African Americans and all black people in the United States of America, but it’s important to the country to reflect on the contributions of black Americans in making this country as great as it is.

The same I can say for other nationalities and ethnic groups that are here in the United States: we have to constantly remind ourselves of the importance of everyone’s heritage and everyone's contributions, and be able to highlight those who were a part of the sacrifice and the fruits of the sacrifice. That could be in the area of business, it could be in the area of education, it could be in the area of politics; there are so many advancements, and contributions, that black Americans have made over the years to inspire others to be able to move in that direction—not just black children, but children in general. And every time we show an example of an accomplishment that one has made, it inspires someone else to either do the same or do better.

So I look forward to Black History Month in February. It’s one of the busiest times of the year for people like myself, but it reminds you to never forget the past, but also to look forward to the future, because every year there’s a new name added to greatness in this country. I hope that it continues to be prioritized as it relates to black history education in our public schools, so that black Americans and other Americans can understand what has happened in the past, what’s happening now in the present, and what’s going to happen in the future. So I look forward to it every year; I’m glad we have it.